Tuneable harmonic frequency combs via dual-beam or structured-target laser-solid interactions
When an intense laser pulse strikes a flat solid target at normal incidence, only odd, equally spaced harmonics are typically generated. Using particle-in-cell simulations, we show that introducing transverse spatial modulation-either via two beams incident at small opposing angles or a single beam reflecting from a corrugated surface-produces a two-dimensional harmonic spectrum. Selecting the emission through a narrow slit isolates an angle-dependent subset of harmonics, forming a tunable frequency comb controlled by both the viewing angle and the drive-laser frequency. Distinct combs arise for s- and p-polarised emission, while increasing the focal spot size reduces divergence and improves efficiency. Additional control is achieved by varying beam frequencies, target tilt, or beam number. Replacing the dual-beam configuration with a single beam and structured surface provides equivalent functionality with significantly reduced experimental complexity.
Authors
- P. McKenna
- Holger Schmitz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1486-0648)
- Robert G. Bingham (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0630-2021)
- M. King (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5639-6310)
- R. M. G. M. Trines
Publication Details
- Journal
- Strathprints: The University of Strathclyde institutional repository (University of Strathclyde)
- Published
- 2026-03-05
- Primary Topic
- Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Science and Technology Facilities Council